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BAC Mono: Another Ariel Atom-fighting roadster in the UK

Filed under: Performance, UK, MISC

BAC Mono

Sick and tired of getting pushed around by Ariel Atoms at your local track day? Briggs Automotive Company, who prefer the acronym BAC, are getting ready to produce the Mono. It’s a carbon-fiber shell wrapped around a single-passenger steel cell.

The BAC Mono’s 2.3-liter Cosworth four-cylinder engine makes 280-horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, and it’s mated to a Hewland six-speed sequential gearbox. Those power figures put it right in line with all non-V8-equipped Atoms. However, the BAC Mono weighs in at just 1,190 pounds – 160 pounds less than the Atom.

BAC plans to build just 35 examples of the Mono, and the first 10 are already spoken for. You better start saving your cash if you’re interested because the Mono will cost you £67,000, or about $108,000 USD, before tax.

[Source: Jalopnik]

BAC Mono: Another Ariel Atom-fighting roadster in the UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Mar 2011 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: James May on the Ariel Atom V8

Filed under: Videos

Ariel Atom V8 Top Gear

James May rocks the Ariel Atom V8 – Click above to watch the video after the jump

The latest Ariel Atom sports 500 horsepower from its supercharged 3.0-liter V8, yet it only weighs 1,200 pounds. That adds up to about 900 horsepower per ton; a ratio that shames anything from a Lotus to a Bugatti Veyron. Sounds riveting, and Top Gear‘s James May had the honor of exercising the super-fast machine in a very thorough manner.

Beyond the jump is 12 minutes of TG goodness featuring the Ariel Atom 500. Not only did May have his way with the Atom, he then put the track day superstar against a Lexus LFA and a Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera in a race from zero to 100 and back to zero. The super Atom then thundered around the TG test track in a one-on-one battle against the BMW S1000 RR, and of course, was handed over to The Stig for a proper power lap. Hit the jump to gaze upon the marriage of Top Gear and the Ariel Atom 500.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: James May on the Ariel Atom V8

Video: James May on the Ariel Atom V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mugen goes molecular with special-edition Ariel Atom

Mugen Ariel Atom – Click above for high-res image gallery

Here’s a match made in automotive heaven. Mugen has gone about working its magic on the Honda-powered Ariel Atom to celebrate the car’s 10th anniversary. While the trick red chassis and white body work is enough to get us licking our chops, the Japanese tuner has also tweaked mighty four-cylinder at the heart of the open-wheel heathen.

A fully blueprinted K20Z Type R engine now provides the grunt, and thanks to new high-compression pistons, high-lift cams and new valve springs, the four pot kicks out a lofty 270 horsepower. Mugen says that a full seven days of work goes into each and every lump.

All told, the extra pep should get the Mugen Atom to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 150 mph. Yowza.

Buyers will also be treated to special four-piston brake calipers built by the stopping gurus at Alcon, and a modified version of the fully-adjustable coilover suspension found on the Atom V8 is standard equipment. Additionally, the cockpit is fitted with a new flat LCD screen to display the car’s vitals. So far, there’s no word on price, but given that Mugen is only turning out 10 examples of this rare bird, we’d bet a shiny nickel that they won’t go cheap. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: Mugen Ariel Atom

[Source: Atom Club]

Continue reading Mugen goes molecular with special-edition Ariel Atom

Mugen goes molecular with special-edition Ariel Atom originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ariel Atom celebrates turning 10 with special Mugen edition

Filed under: Performance, Misc. Auto Shows, Specialty, MISC

Ariel Atom Mugen Special Edition

Ariel Atom Mugen Special Edition – Click above to enlarge

It’s hard to believe that 10 whole years have passed since the only Brit crazier than Amy Winehouse hit the world stage. We are, of course, referring to the Ariel Atom, but you already knew that, didn’t you? And, like any good anniversary celebration, AutoExpress reports that Ariel is celebrating its tenth by releasing a special edition, which sure beats the traditional anniversary gift of tin…

As befitting the celebration, Ariel plans to create just 10 special editions, the first of which will make its debut at the Autosport Show in the UK in January. The big news is that Ariel has partnered up with Mugen – a company that specializes in adding more power and finesse to Honda’s wares – to boost the power of its Honda-sourced 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from 245 to 270 horsepower.

Further frippery will include a special coat of paint and a plaque proclaiming its special place in the order along with the signatures of the Mugen and Ariel technicians who built it (just one of each will have their hands on the machine). Check out a larger version of the rendering by clicking on the image above.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Ariel Atom celebrates turning 10 with special Mugen edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ariel Atom one-make series coming to America?

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, MISC, Racing

Ariel Atom 3

2010 Ariel Atom 3 – Click above for high-res image gallery

A one-make, or spec-series race, is an exciting contest that really proves who’s got what it takes behind the wheel. The Ariel Atom is an exciting vehicle that allows a driver to explore the purest expression of driving nirvana. If you are a fan of either, then 2011 should be a very good year for you. Ariel is working with Virgina International Raceway to create the world’s first Atom racing series and it will be known as Spec Racer Atom (SRA).

The 10-race series will take place over the course of five weekends (similar to how Dodge handled its Viper Cup). There will be four 25-minute sessions for practice and qualifying followed by a 20-minute race. During the course of the series, the configuration at VIR will be set up four different ways.

The SRA Atoms are currently being built specifically for the series and first deliveries are expected to occur in April of next year. If you act quickly, you can be one of the first 10 to buy an SRA Atom and be considered a Founding Member of the series.

In addition to the racing, TMI Auto Tech (the company responsible for bringing the Ariel Atom to the states) will be offering Ariel Atom Experience events that allow you to get behind the wheel of an Atom 3. Currently, TMI is only going to offer this program at VIR but it sounds like it wants to expand to other venues as well. Thanks for the tip, Eric!

Gallery: Quick Spin: Ariel Atom 3

Photos Copyright (C)2010 by Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL

[Source: AtomClub.com]

Ariel Atom one-make series coming to America? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Ariel Atom dices it up on the track against… an Epson printer?!

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Humor

Ariel Atom 3 vs. Epson Printer

Epson Inkjet vs. Ariel Atom – Click above to watch video after the jump

If we had to pick a printer company on the merits of its advertising stunts alone, Epson would hands-down be our favorite. Along with cranking out an awesome 1:1 scale paper replica of an NSX racer not too long ago, the company recently decided to pit its newest printer against an Ariel Atom 3. The premise is simple: The printer would begin printing a scale replica of said track at the exact same time as the Atom would begin slinging corners. The company even bolted the printer to the car and threw in a genuine command center for little extra drama.

Which machine comes out on top? You can probably guess given who’s sponsoring this shindig, but we won’t spoil it for you, either. Hit the jump to check out the spot for yourself. Now if you’ll excuse us, we’ve got a sudden urge to go buy some ink cartridges.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Ariel Atom dices it up on the track against… an Epson printer?!

Video: Ariel Atom dices it up on the track against… an Epson printer?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Ariel Atom 3 gets the time-lapse build treatment

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Videos, Racing

Ariel Atom time-lapse build

Ariel Atom time-lapse build – Click above to watch the video after the jump

Are time-lapse build videos the new trend in online automotive clips? It sure seems that way as more and more of them keep squeezing out of the ‘tubes. If you go back to 2008, you can see a Corvette ZR1 go from frame to furious in less than five minutes.

Last fall, the Patron Highcroft Acura prototype racecar came to life in under three minutes. Earlier this year we got to see the Chevrolet Cruze make the transformation from production vehicle to World Touring Car Championship contender in under two minutes.

Earlier in the month a BMW Z4 GT3 received the time-lapse treatment and now a new vehicle is ready to show you how its made. Top Gear has footage of an Ariel Atom moving quickly from inert to insanely-capable. The actual build took 24 hours but you can see the action unfold in under two minutes.

Make the leap to see the video after the jump.

Gallery: Quick Spin: Ariel Atom 3

Photos by Jeremy Korzeniewski / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Top Gear]

Continue reading Video: Ariel Atom 3 gets the time-lapse build treatment

Video: Ariel Atom 3 gets the time-lapse build treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Autocar reviews the Ariel Atom V8

Filed under: Performance, Videos, UK, Specialty, Racing

Ariel Atom V8 reviewed by Autocar

Autocar drives the Ariel Atom V8 – Click above to watch video after the jump

Ariel finally put together its long-awaited Atom V8 and handed to the keys to ~~some lucky sonofa~~ Autocar to take the eight-pot pocket rocket out for a spin. Matt Prior got some seat time in the light-weight sportscar and provides great insight into this new Atom. Phrases from Prior include; “fastest production car anyone has ever driven,” “utterly brilliant” and “TEE HEE HEE.”

There are a lot of stats to wrap your head around, but this one seems to sum up it up best: The V8 Atom produces 900 horsepower per ton. By comparison, the Bugatti Veyron produces around 530 horsepower per ton. There’s more, but why spoil it when you can hop the jump and watch Prior’s jealousy-inducing spin.

[Source: Youtube]

Continue reading Video: Autocar reviews the Ariel Atom V8

Video: Autocar reviews the Ariel Atom V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Donto Motors P1 to take on Ariel Atom, KTM X-Bow

Filed under: South America, Racing

Donto Motors P1

Donto Motors P1 – Click above for high-res image gallery

If you’ve never heard of Argentina-based Donto Motors before, you’re not alone. However, just because this company has remained out of the spotlight doesn’t mean they don’t have big things in the works – how about a hardcore track day racer designed to compete with the likes of the Ariel Atom and KTM X-Bow? If it ever sees production, Donto Motors’ P1 should easily fit right in with these odd/awesome track toys.

The rear-mounted engine is a Volkswagen/Audi-sourced 1.8-liter turbocharged inline-four that produces 180 horsepower, and it looks like Donto took visual cues from Audi, as well. The front end’s large side vents are reminiscent of a certain supercar that we’ve grown quite fond of, and the rest of the body work is made up of a split construction, in which it’s designed to look as if the body is floating on the FIA-approved chassis. The whole thing weighs just over 1,500 pounds, too, so we imagine that the end result will be a spirited little whip for track day fun.

Donto is hoping to keep the P1 priced around $55,000, and the United States is one of the countries that could receive the lightweight roadster if it goes into production. Emphasis on the word “if.” Head over to Diseno-art.com for more.

Gallery: Donto Motors P1

[Source: Diseno-art.com]

Donto Motors P1 to take on Ariel Atom, KTM X-Bow originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maker Faire Detroit 2010: 72-year-old building his own Ariel Atom clone

Filed under: Performance, Technology, Specialty, Design/Style

Bert Campbell’s Atom chassis – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Ariel Atom is an amazing piece of automotive minimalism and could be what Lotus founder Colin Chapman would build were he still with us today. However, not everyone can swing the price tag for an Atom. In the case of 72-year-old Bert Campbell of Southgate, MI, his artificial hip also posed an ingress/egress problem. Bert is one of the participants at the first Detroit Maker Faire, and because of his mobility problem, he decided to the take the basic Atom chassis design and modify the sides to make them lower. To compensate for the loss of structure, he added a roll-cage on top.

Campbell bought the steel tubing at swap meet for about $20 and got the front control arms from another hobbyist in return for some help fixing a lathe. Campbell built his own tubing bender and roller to shape the steel and has done all the fabrication in his girlfriend’s garage. Although he has several engines available, Campbell plans to install an 1100cc Yamaha motorcycle engine in the back with the original five-speed gearbox. Bert promises to keep us up to date as the project progresses, so stay tuned for more.

Gallery: Bert Campbell’s home built Atom

Maker Faire Detroit 2010: 72-year-old building his own Ariel Atom clone originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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